Water saver system

ABSTRACT

A water saver system that includes a temperature and touch sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, that diverts water to an accumulator tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the accumulator tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The accumulator tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.12/389,421, filed Feb. 20, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,196 whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional filing 61/058,496, filed Jun. 3,2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a system that saves the cool waterthat is otherwise wasted when waiting for the water in a shower or sinkto warm up, or in any other process where warm water is piped somedistance and allowed to cool before re-use.

2. Background

There are a number of devices on the market that accomplish the samething that this device does; they save the water that would otherwise godown the drain. However, known solutions generally contain clumsy phasechange mediums, pumps, venturi devices that would plug up, buckets,complex plumbing, siphons, etc.

In contrast, the invention disclosed herein is very easy to install,even in retrofit situations. It could function mechanically without theneed for electronics or active water return mechanisms if necessary. Itis the most simple and best way to achieve the desired result of notwasting water simply because it is at the wrong initial temperature foruse.

The water saver described herein relies on the dynamic pressure dropthat occurs when the temperature-sensitive valve opens. This allows thecool water that has been stored in the pressure tank (accumulator) to bemetered back into the system. No pump, venturi, phase change liquid orother active components are needed, or are optional, with the presentinvention to accomplish this outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously fills the aforementioneddeficiencies by providing a water saver that saves the cool water thatis otherwise wasted when waiting for the water in a shower or sink towarm up, or in any other process where warm water is piped some distanceand, owing to sitting in the pipe un-used, is allowed to cool before thenext use of hot water.

The cool water, that usually just flows down the drain while you standwith your hand in the stream waiting for the warm water to arrive,instead encounters a temperature-sensitive valve located at the shower(or tap) neck. This valve could be of several different types—bimetal(like an automobile engine thermostat), expanding wax, electronicallyactuated, polymeric etc. The valve diverts the water through a checkvalve metering assembly that allows the water to flow freely through aflexible hose toward a pressure tank. An orifice in the check valvemeters the water more slowly when it flows back from the pressure tank.The pressure tank is preferably a bladder type accumulator, very muchlike those utilized in domestic water systems or water purificationsystems. When the warm water finally arrives at thetemperature-sensitive diverter valve, the valve opens at a preset(adjustable) temperature. When the valve opens there is a localizedsystemic dynamic pressure drop that allows the cool water stored in thebladder pressure tank to flow back through the metering orifice in thecheck valve and mix with the warm systemic water now flowing. Thismetered cool water would have a slow flow rate, so while mixing with thewarm water over the course of the shower, it wouldn't adversely affectthe temperature of the shower. The valves used in this system could bemechanically or electronically actuated depending on the desired costand sophistication. The device would be located externally whenretrofitted and in the wall stud cavity in new construction. This samesystem could be used in sinks and any other applications wherever wateris wasted while waiting for it to reach a desired temperature.

A check valve should be located downstream of the device to keep airfrom entering the system when the water is turned off. This would keepunwanted air from entering the bladder pressure tank. There should be abypass lever or switch so that the system could be bypassed and/ordrained when the tank is over-filled before warm water arrives. Much ofthis system could conveniently be built into the shower valve assemblyfor ease of new installation. The cool water return would inject thecool water at the shower valve assembly where there could be atemperature compensating valve. In sinks, the cool water return could beactuated only when the cold water side of the faucet is actuated. Thebasic diverter, pressure tank system still applies. A central bladderpressure tank could store all bypassed cool water and each fixture couldbe plumbed to it by a third cool water return line returning water froma temperature-sensitive diverter valve at each fixture. The samereliance on the pressure drop in the system when a cold water tap isopened would allow water to be returned from a central bladder pressuretank.

The device according to the present invention would not require anythought or input from the operator once it is installed. The devicewould allow a person to step into the shower, turn it on and get warmwater at the very moment when the shower actually came on, i.e., hadwarmed sufficiently to de-activate the temperature sensitive by-passvalve. The result is predictable and comfortable, and would savethousands of gallons of water in the course of long term use.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a watersaver that does not suffer from any of the problems or deficienciesassociated with prior solutions.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read inconjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and anypreferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed orotherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided byway of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough,complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side diagrammatic/schematic view of a water saver system ina first condition of cold water flowing from the supply line valve intoa pressure tank.

FIG. 2 is a side diagrammatic/schematic view of the water saver systemin a second condition of warm water flowing from the supply line valveand out of the pressure tank.

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the invention using a showerhead locatedauto control diverter valve, with the system in the “warm-up” phase,cold water diverted to the pressure tank.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of the system of FIG. 4 with the diverter/controlvalve open shower on, warm-up complete, stored cold water bled into use.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the invention of FIG. 3 but using amanually controlled diverter valve, shown in the closed position withcold water stored in the pressure tank.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of the invention of FIG. 5 in the shower on,warm-up complete, with stored cold water bled into the system.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a “ball valve” version of a diverter valve usedin the present invention in the diverted position. The ball valve inthis embodiment incorporates the return metering function into the ballvalve.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the ball valve shown in FIG. 7 in the returnmetering position.

FIG. 9 a-9 d show operation of the device when equipped with atemperature and touch sensitive electrically operated combining valve.

FIG. 10 shows a water saver equipped with a supplementary inline waterpressure driven pump to assist in the emptying of the water storagetank.

FIG. 11 shows a water saver system using a supplementary inlineelectrical generator for supplying/storing electrical power foroperating the combining valve and storage tank supplementary pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawing FIGS. 1 and 2:

A typical plumbed hot/cold water supply fitted with the water saversystem is shown. Cool water source (38) and hot water source (39) arecombined through a combining valve (40). This combined water is thendirected to a blended water user outlet (20) (shower head, sink tap).

The water saver of the present invention includes a “Tee” shapedmanifold (10), which in a retrofit installation would be located betweenthe shower neck (or valve 40) and the showerhead (20). The manifoldwould be an assembly containing a temperature-sensitive valve (60)(bimetal, polymer, expanding wax etc.) that is closed (FIG. 1) when thesupply water temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Thisclosed valve would force the cool supply water (70) to be divertedthrough a check valve (65), which would allow the water to enter awaterline attached to a bladder pressure tank (30) that includes a purgevalve (31). The check valve (65) would open so that the cool water fromthe supply (70) would flow into the pressure tank (30) and would closewhen the temperature-sensitive valve (60) opened. The drop in supplypressure caused by the opening of the temperature-sensitive valve (60)would cause the cool water (70) stored in the pressure tank (30) to flowback (FIG. 2) into the “Tee” manifold (10) through a metering orifice(65 a) located in the center of the check valve (65). There it would mixwith the warm water supply (100). The metering orifice (65 a) in thecheck valve (65) would allow the cool water (70) to mix with the warmsupply water (100) at a rate predetermined by the orifice diameter. Thiswould allow the cool diverted water (70) to be mixed with the warmsupply water (100) at a rate that would not adversely affect the desiredshower temperature (110). The functioning of these valves could becontrolled mechanically or electronically depending on the desiredtechnological sophistication and cost. The temperature sensitive valve60, of which many currently exist for pre-programmed shower temperselection, should be readily user adjustable so as to allow for a coolshower and, if sink used, for cool water uses.

Alternatively, the accumulator (30) could be plumbed using anotherreturn (37) equipped with another check valve (65) to divert the storedcool water back to the overall plumbing system (household) cool watersource (38). This system wide return could include a supplementary pumpplumbed therein to match household pressure and thus empty the pressuretank as cool water demand is made anywhere in the household system.Alternatively, a balance valve could be plumbed into the return 37 toenable pressure tank accumulated water to precede household water intothe household system until the tank is emptied. In this way, even ifonly cool water is demanded elsewhere in the overall system over aperiod of time, the accumulated water in pressure tank (30) can bere-cycled into the plumbed system with combining valve (40) remaining inthe closed position. Likewise, several user outlets through a singleplumbed system can be equipped with manifolds, all of which can beconnected to a single pressure tank. The pressure tank can, uponsufficient pressure drops in the household system, and pump boosted asnecessary, divert accumulated cool water back into the plumbed systemcool water source for the household.

By providing appropriate flow restriction in the cold and hot watersupply lines upstream of the device, any amount of pressure drop throughthe water saver (when the shower comes on) can be achieved. This isreally the basis for how the device functions. The difference betweenthe almost static supply pressure when the holding tank is filling, andthe lower dynamic pressure when the shower comes on, allows the storedwater to flow back into the system. The friction in the pipes providesmost of the need restriction but more could be added, if necessary, toobtain any desired pressure differential.

With reference to FIGS. 3-6:

The alternate versions of the water saver of the present invention eachinclude a showerhead (20) with a temperature control/diverter valve (60)in the showerhead (20). The showerhead (20) is an assembly containing atemperature-sensitive (FIG. 3) or manual control (FIG. 5) valve (60)(the auto control version of the valve could be electronic or bimetal,polymer, expanding wax etc.) that is closed (FIGS. 3 and 5) when thesupply water temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Thisclosed valve would force the cool supply water (70) to be divertedthrough a dual chamber shower supply hose (85) to a check valve (65),which would allow the water to enter a waterline attached to a bladderpressure tank (30). The check valve (65) would open so that the coolwater from the supply (70) would flow into the pressure tank (30) andwould close when the temperature-sensitive valve (60) opened. The dropin supply pressure caused by the opening of the temperature-sensitivevalve (60) would cause the cool water (70) stored in the pressure tank(30) to flow back (FIGS. 4 and 6) through the dual chamber hose 85 viametering orifice (65(b)) located in the center of the check valve (65).There it would mix with the warm water supply (100). The meteringorifice (65 b) in the check valve (65) would allow the cool water (70)to mix with the warm supply water (100) at a rate predetermined by theorifice diameter, This would allow the cool diverted water (70) to bemixed with the warm supply water (100) at a rate that would notadversely affect the desired shower temperature (110). The functioningof the showerhead (20) valves (60) could be controlled mechanically orelectronically depending on the desired technological sophistication andcost. The auto temperature sensitive valve (60) used in FIGS. 3 and 4(battery powered or bi-metallic thermostat, etc.), of which manycurrently exist for pre-programmed shower temperature selection, shouldbe readily user adjustable so as to allow for a cool shower and, if sinkused, for cool water uses. Likewise, the manual version in FIGS. 5 and 6could use color coded indicators (21) external to the showerhead (20)indicating to the user that is time to switch the water from diversionFIG. 5 to shower on FIG. 6.

The primary use of the FIGS. 3-6 versions are the retro-fits wherein theuse of the system is as simple as replacing a showerhead. The system(11) is entirely self-contained and can be retrofitted to existingshower and sink equipment already in-place. The dual chamber hose 85directly engages the sink faucet output or shower output, with thebalance of the equipment (bladder tank 30, valve 65) engaged to a nearbysurface, under sink, shower wall, etc., and the showerhead (20) hung ina conventional showerhead orientation from the self-contained system(11).

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The ball valve versions of the water saver of the present invention eachinclude a showerhead (201) with a temperature control/diverterball-valve (601) installed ahead of the conventional showerhead (201).The ball valve (601) is an assembly containing a temperature-sensitivefeature or a manual control feature (the auto control version of thevalve could be electronic or bimetal, polymer, expanding wax etc.) thatdiverts water (FIG. 7) when the supply water temperature is below apredetermined temperature. This diverted position valve would force thecool supply water (70) to be diverted to a bladder pressure tank (30).Upon sufficient warming of the supply water (100) the ball valve wouldreposition (FIG. 8) so that the cool water from the pressure tank (30)would be returned to the water supply going to the showerhead (201). Thedrop in supply pressure caused by the repositioning of the ball valve(601) would cause the cool water stored in the pressure tank (30) toflow back through the ball valve 601 via metering orifice (651(b))located in the ball valve (601). There it would mix with the warm watersupply (100). The metering orifice (651 b) in the ball valve (601) wouldallow the stored cool water (70) to mix with the warm supply water (100)at a rate predetermined by the orifice diameter. This would allow thecool diverted water (70) to be mixed with the warm supply water (100) ata rate that would not adversely affect the desired shower temperature.The functioning of the ball valve (601) could be controlled mechanicallywith color temperature indicators 21 or electronically depending on thedesired technological sophistication and cost.

As shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 d the device could also include a “TouchSwitch”, or capacitance switch that responds to an operator touch. Auser could activate the shower hot 939 and cold supply 938 and awaitwarm water as the diverter valve 910 directs water using valve elements911/912 to the tank 70 as in FIG. 9 a. Get wet when the water is up totemperature as in FIG. 9 b using water supplied from the hot 939 and thestored cool tank water 70. Halt the water supply altogether as in 9 c,lather up, and then, as in 9 d, rinse using water at a pre-settemperature from a combination of hot 939 and cold 938 supply as well asstored tank 70 supply until finished. The temperature pre-set can be setusing the temp control valve element 911 to vary the mix between hot 939and cold supply 938. The total cut-off technique to lather and thenrinse is the “military” shower method that yields greatest watersavings.

This touch switch unit could be installed, thru adaptors, etc, toexisting showers and sinks. The valve 910 handle would be attachedthrough a precision variable resistor and an on/off switch. The switchwould turn the water on/off as the handle was pulled/pushed or turnedleft/right. The variable resistor would allow for pre-set temperaturesfor the water to emerge from the shower/faucet. If only cold water isdemanded at the sink, water flows immediately (teeth brushing) from coldsupply 938, but where warm water is required (dish rinsing, etc.) thewater saver system could be engaged with cool water initially divertedto the tank 70. Whenever mixing of cool water is necessary to cool thesupplied hot water for whatever purpose, stored tank water 70 is thefirst source used until such stored water supply is exhausted.Thereafter, cool water supply 938 can be used. Whenever water flow ishalted altogether, when the shower/faucet is used thereafter, thetemperature resistor would determine whether diversion is necessary inaccord with temperature demand of the user.

It may be advantageous, in some instances, to eliminate the pressurizedwater tank and have it fed by gravity, where possible, or in a positionsuspended above the faucet or showerhead or, as the case may be, evensupplied with a supplementary pump 1014 operated via supplied waterflow, as in FIG. 10, or thru a small in-line generator and electricalpower storage system 1114 as in FIG. 11. In FIG. 10, the water flowingthru diverter valve 910 could run an impeller 1012, a driving impeller,that in-turn ran a pump impeller 1010 located in the tank 70 sourcedwater line so as to draw water from the tank 70 and initiate asiphon/pump effect to draw stored water from tank 70 which, in thiscase, is non-pressurized. In FIG. 11, a generator 1120 is rotated by anin-line impeller 1118. The generated energy is stored inbattery/capacitor 1116 to drive an auxiliary pump 1122 inline to thestorage tank 70. The provision of a battery/capacitor 1116 charged bythe inline generator 1114 could eliminate the need for a separateelectrical supply for the valve electronics and the touch control systemthereof.

It has been determined that a 3 gallon pressure tank 30 will accommodatemost cooled water amounts stored in most household plumbing systemsbefore hot water appears at the temperature sensitive valves. Inaddition, it has been determined that even a short shower lasting only 7minutes is enough, with a cooled water return rate of ½ gallon perminute, to drain even a completely filled pressure tank within the timespan of a shower. In the event warm water does not arrive at thetemperature sensor before the pressure tank fills, the purge (by-pass)valve (31), included in each installed version, can be used to bleed outwater until the temperature sensor encounters warm water. The purgevalve can be located on the pressure tank or at the ball valve,showerhead, etc., i.e., any convenient location to simply allow systemdisabling when necessary.

The device, when used in new construction and integrated into the showervalve body, will have a temperature actuated/activated valve that allowscold water from the supply to flow only after hot water has arrived fromthe hot water supply at the valve fixture. This is because much of thewater that is normally wasted (or would be stored by the water saver)results from waiting for the mixed flow (hot and cold water from the hotand cold supply mixed together) to reach the desired temperature. It ismuch more efficient to only allow the hot water supply to flow until thehot water in that line reaches the valve body, and only then allow coldwater to mix with it. That way you are storing only the water residingin the hot water line that cooled between showers, not the total mixedflow from both lines that takes longer to reach the desired showertemperature.

While the present invention has been described above in terms ofspecific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in theart to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be andare covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims It is indeedintended that the scope of the invention should be determined by properinterpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legalequivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon thedisclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A water saver system, comprising: a plumbedwater system including separate cold and hot water sources that combineat an electrically operated temperature and touch sensitive combiningvalve that respectively connects to a blended cold and hot water useroutlet; a manifold connected between said temperature and touchsensitive combining valve and said blended water outlet, said manifoldbeing in fluid communication to divert water passing through saidmanifold that is below a pre-set temperature away from said blendedwater user outlet through a diverter outlet; and, an accumulator means,connected to said diverter outlet through an in-line check-valve, foraccumulating water below said pre-set temperature until such time assaid water passing through said manifold is at or above said pre-settemperature, whereupon, said accumulated water is returned through saidcheck valve to said manifold, and thusly to said blended water useroutlet at such time as said temperature and touch sensitive valve opensin response to rise in temperature of said water passing through saidmanifold above said pre-set temperature and contacting said temperatureand touch sensitive valve.
 2. A water system as in claim 1, wherein:electricity necessary to operate said temperature and touch sensitivevalve is generated via an inline generator device driven by watersupplied through said temperature and touch sensitive combining valve.3. A water system as in claim 2, wherein: water returning to saidtemperature and touch sensitive combining valve from said accumulatormeans is pumped via an electrical auxiliary pump supplied withelectrical power from said inline generator device.
 4. A water system asin claim 1, wherein: water returning to said temperature and touchsensitive combining valve from said accumulator means is pumped via aninline impeller driven by water supplied through said temperature andtouch sensitive combining valve.
 5. A water system as in claim 1,wherein: said diverter valve is a multi-position ball valve located insaid blended water outlet.
 6. A water system as in claim 5, wherein:said diverter valve operates automatically in response to sensedtemperature of water passing through said blended water outlet.